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Topic: Stages to conversion (Read 5079 times)

wow!so, u found a place where the Bible is taught. that sounds great!don't wait to find a perfect place, even my church isn't perfect!(since i joined it...)

I wouldn't say it is perfect, every Church on earth has its problems. Only the Church in the New Jerusalem is perfect. It is important that we find a Church where we can grow spiritually despite its problems.

wow!so, u found a place where the Bible is taught. that sounds great!don't wait to find a perfect place, even my church isn't perfect!(since i joined it...)

I wouldn't say it is perfect, every Church on earth has its problems. Only the Church in the New Jerusalem is perfect. It is important that we find a Church where we can grow spiritually despite its problems.

What does "grown spiritually" mean to you?

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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."

Come on. Most of the Christianity could be thrown away through "quotes" like that.

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I agree it's not right to neglect the fast 'just 'cause', but mortal sin?

Well I grant that black and white distinction between mortal sins and venial sins is somewhat unknown in Orthodoxy but how superficial attitude towards Church's orders could be anything but extremely severe?

Well I grant that black and white distinction between mortal sins and venial sins is somewhat unknown in Orthodoxy but how superficial attitude towards Church's orders could be anything but extremely severe?

Even if you used the distinction between mortal and venial, why would neglecting a fast day fall under mortal (I.E. spiritual death)? In the light of the words of Christ and of St. Paul?

I honestly don't think that the majority of Orthodox, who blow off a fasting day sometimes, are thereby incurring a sin unto death. Is it falling short (sin)? If done out of contempt, sure. Can that action stem from a greater contempt unto death? Sure. But let's call things what they are.

Well I grant that black and white distinction between mortal sins and venial sins is somewhat unknown in Orthodoxy but how superficial attitude towards Church's orders could be anything but extremely severe?

Even if you used the distinction between mortal and venial, why would neglecting a fast day fall under mortal (I.E. spiritual death)? In the light of the words of Christ and of St. Paul?

Well I grant that black and white distinction between mortal sins and venial sins is somewhat unknown in Orthodoxy but how superficial attitude towards Church's orders could be anything but extremely severe?

Even if you used the distinction between mortal and venial, why would neglecting a fast day fall under mortal (I.E. spiritual death)? In the light of the words of Christ and of St. Paul?

I don't believe in Sola Scriptura.

There's a difference between Sola Scriptura and Nada Scriptura.

You can't respond to someone asking you to consider the words of Christ when making a theological statement with "I don't believe in sola scriptura." That wouldn't have flown five seconds with any of the Fathers, and it shouldn't fly on OC.net, either....

"Eutyches, consider where it is written, 'tempted like us in all things..."

Well I grant that black and white distinction between mortal sins and venial sins is somewhat unknown in Orthodoxy but how superficial attitude towards Church's orders could be anything but extremely severe?

Even if you used the distinction between mortal and venial, why would neglecting a fast day fall under mortal (I.E. spiritual death)? In the light of the words of Christ and of St. Paul?

I don't believe in Sola Scriptura.

There's a difference between Sola Scriptura and Nada Scriptura.

You can't respond to someone asking you to consider the words of Christ when making a theological statement with "I don't believe in sola scriptura." That wouldn't have flown five seconds with any of the Fathers, and it shouldn't fly on OC.net, either....

"Eutyches, consider where it is written, 'tempted like us in all things..."

"I don't believe in Sola Scriptura, Chancellor."

LOL. I didn't mean Nada Scriptura. Rather, I was trying to say that even if Christ or Paul didn't say anything about sinfulness of breaking Church's orders that doesn't mean that it isn't a sin.

I found the Protestant/Roman paths to conversion interesting in a cultural sense.

Here in Brazil,most converts from the Roman Church, start either as Ecumenist Eric or as Syncretic Simon (Roman statues and altars along with icons and Chrysostom's liturgy, Roman hymns, devotions and feasts along with Orthodox ones). Syncretic Simon, many times, was just a Roman who wanted to mix lots of folk superstitions with church offices and local Roman authorities forbade them, and they find in Orthodoxy - not very organized in Brazil - a clean field with no one physically close enough to even be sure of what they are doing, much less reprimend them.

Hyperdox Herman is an early stage only for converts from very traditionalist Roman background, coming with a "I am more Catholic than thou" attitude.

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Many energies, three persons, two natures, one God, one Church, one Baptism.

please tell us more when you are able to.may God increase your faith wherever you are.

I've invited the priest to our home so my wife can ask him questions. I wouldn't say anything is certain right now. I've raised my issues with my current Church and they are being heard by the bishop. But we'll see.